Heading 1: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Take Priority Over Self-Driving Tech

When it comes to buying a new car, consumers are more interested in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) than self-driving technology. ADAS features like blind-spot detection, backup cameras, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection are highly desirable to modern consumers. In fact, a 2023 S&P Global Mobility consumer survey found that those four features were rated as the most desirable, with each being highlighted by at least 80 percent of all drivers surveyed.

In contrast, only 61 percent of respondents expressed a desire for a fully self-driving car, and none of the other autonomous options offered to consumers ranked higher than 64.9 percent in the desirability stakes. This lack of interest in self-driving technology speaks to a lack of trust in autonomous systems on the part of buyers. Only 47% of consumers said they would ride in a car with self-driving abilities and would consider purchasing one.

Heading 2: Autonomous Driving Systems Offered by Automakers

Almost every major brand now offers their cars with at least a Level 2 autonomous driving system that enables the car to do some of the driving. Level 2+ systems, such as General Motor’s Super Cruise and Ford’s Blue Cruise, allow hands-off automated highway driving, but still require the driver to keep their eyes on the road. The Level 3 system on top-spec Mercedes cars allows you to kick back and watch a movie in certain conditions.

However, these autonomous driving features are not as desirable to consumers as ADAS features. The S&P Global Mobility survey found that consumers are far more interested in safety features like blind-spot detection and automatic emergency braking than they are in self-driving technology.

Heading 3: Geographic Variations in Interest in Self-Driving Cars

The S&P Global Mobility survey found that interest in self-driving cars varied according to geographical location. Consumers in China, for example, were far more receptive to the idea of self-driving cars than those in the U.S., Britain, and Germany.

This variation in interest may be due to cultural differences or differences in the way that self-driving technology is marketed and perceived in different regions. Regardless of the reason, it is clear that automakers will need to take these regional differences into account when developing and marketing their autonomous driving features.

Heading 4: Consumer Expectations for Safety Features

While buyers are very keen to have safety features on their new cars, they don’t like the idea of paying extra for them. More than 50 percent of buyers expect a car’s sophisticated safety gadgets to come standard.

This expectation puts pressure on automakers to include advanced safety features as standard equipment on their vehicles. Failure to do so could result in lost sales to competitors who offer these features as standard equipment.

Heading 5: Conclusion

In conclusion, while automakers are busy developing and marketing their autonomous driving features, consumers are more interested in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like blind-spot detection and automatic emergency braking. This is especially true in regions like the U.S., Britain, and Germany, where interest in self-driving technology is relatively low.

Automakers will need to take these consumer preferences into account when developing and marketing their vehicles. They will also need to consider regional differences in interest in self-driving technology and ensure that they are offering the safety features that consumers expect as standard equipment on their vehicles. By doing so, they can meet consumer demand and stay competitive in an increasingly crowded market.